First Things First

Vinnie Pasquantino, professional baseball player and captain of Team Italy at the World Baseball Classic, joins to talk WBC life. He shares stories about captaining Italy and locker-room dynamics. They discuss scouting limits, pitching strategies, run-differential tactics, and how international rules change in-game decisions.

(0:00) Chiefs trade Trent McDuffie to Rams, Would Kyler Murray make the Vikings contenders?  (25:25) Patriots release Stefon DIggs, A.J.Brown trade offer “laughed off” (39:07) When should Jeremiyah Love be drafted?  (44:45) Nick’s Tiers (01:06:45) Seahawks to not tag Kenneth Walker III, Best spot for Trey Hendrickson? (01:17:51) Take of the Day (01:21:07) Packed Stats, Shocked by McDuffie and Diggs moves? (01:44:46) Who should go all-in for Maxx Crosby (01:55:13) Kyler Murray and Vikings rumors (02:02:31) Retiring young should be ‘celebrated’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Maurice Edu, former pro and FOX soccer analyst, offers sharp U.S. World Cup perspective. Chris Richards, EPL defender and U.S. Men’s Player of the Year, shares his rise and tournament outlook. They discuss U.S. group dynamics, Paraguay and Australia matchups, club vs country tradeoffs, home-field advantage, and World Cup 2026 stakes in multiple lively conversations.

Al Harrington, former NBA forward and current analyst, joins to break down Giannis' return and Lakers' fragile identity. They debate Lou Dort's trip on Jokic and how it shapes OKC-Denver tensions. Conversations also cover the Knicks' defensive surge and whether March will define L.A.'s title hopes.

A spirited defense of what the word G.O.A.T. should mean in sports and culture. A reaction to a New York Times email claiming 'goat cheese' is the GOAT Cheese sparks a wider rant. Playful comparisons pit cheeses against legendary athletes using versatility, dominance, and cultural impact. A chicken parm anecdote seals the plea to stop cheapening the term.

Alex Palou, multi-time IndyCar champion, chats about prepping for the new season and Indy 500 ambitions. He recalls replicating a breakout year, shares what drives his legacy pursuit, and explains his offseason training, sim work, and interest in other racing events. Short, focused conversations on motivation, routines, and future plans.

Jaylinn Hawkins, NFL defensive back who played for the Patriots, talks free agency, his Patriots tenure and the sting of a Super Bowl loss. He discusses his role on defense and how the team game-plans. The conversation also touches on rule innovation, QB debates, and hot streaks around the league.

They break down a Lakers loss and the late-game final play drama. NFL over/unders for the Bears, Bengals and Lions get debated. A heated discussion on whether Aaron Rodgers should return to Pittsburgh. NBA tiers ranking contenders and underperformers are revealed. Drake Maye’s potential Year 3 trajectory is questioned.

They debate whether Luka Doncic can ever win a championship and where Wembanyama fits in the hierarchy. NFL win totals for the Bills, Ravens, and Eagles get hot takes. A possible Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch and boxing intrigue are weighed. The panel unveils a “King of the Hill” player ranking and breaks down top-10 snubs and MVP candidates.

Pato O'Ward, a top IndyCar driver chasing Indy 500 glory and a championship, joins to talk motorsport ambitions. He discusses race preparation, timing and strategy, and how luck and positioning shape wins. The conversation focuses on his 2026 season goals and mindset entering year seven in IndyCar.